ULSTER — Authorities say a member of an Ulster County volunteer fire department was killed after his pickup truck either struck or was struck by a large tree that fell onto a Hudson Valley road.

The Ulster County Sheriff's Office says 27-year-old Justin Scharschu, of Tillson, was driving on Route 32 in the town of Ulster around 6 a.m. Monday when a massive tree fell over and landed on the road.

Deputies say his pickup truck was either hit by the falling tree or some of its branches, or he hit the tree. His truck was found off the road in the woods. Police say Scharschu died at the scene.

Route 32 was closed for seven hours after the accident.

Officials say he was a captain with the volunteer fire department in Tillson.